procreate reference

What is a Procreate reference layer - what you NEED to know about a reference layer in Procreate.

There are a couple of things you should know about a reference layer. First, a Procreate reference layer is different than a Procreate reference picture. What’s the difference? You’ll find out soon, because this blog post is about what a Procreate reference layer is and why it is different than a Procreate reference picture. 

First, what’s a Procreate reference picture? A reference picture is a picture you reference when drawing something. For example, in the picture below is a cupcake. Beside it is the reference picture. 

The reference picture is simply for reference; it isn’t a part of the drawing. 

What is a reference layer, then? A reference layer is essentially the layer that can be color dropped into. A reference layer allows you to colordrop from any layer into the reference layer.

Here’s how it works: Make the drawing outline on the reference layer. Then, make a new layer and begin color dropping. When you colordrop from that new layer, it will fill in the shapes of the reference layer. 

How is color dropping different without a reference layer? Without a reference, a color will only be color dropped into shapes on the current layer. When you have a reference layer, it doesn’t matter which layer you’re on; the color will always be color dropped into the shapes of the reference layer. Even though the color drop is filling the reference layer shape, the color drop will show up on the current layer.

Take a look at the picture below to see an example of a reference layer. (Layer 1 is the reference).

How do you turn a layer into a reference layer? Go to Layers. Make sure that the layer you want to be a reference is your current layer (the current layer will be blue). Tap that layer. A menu should appear with ‘Reference’ as one of the options. Simply click ‘Reference’, and that layer is the reference. There can only be one reference layer. 

Thank you for reading. I hope this was helpful and answered your questions. If you still have a question, make sure to comment! 

But wait! Before you leave, there’s something important that has to do with procreate you need to know about. There’s an email list where you’ll get free procreate brushes and learn new tips and tricks about procreate! These two things can really change how you draw on procreate; in a good way! If you liked this blog, you’ll enjoy this too! To sign up, click the red tab at the bottom of your screen, sign up from the flyout, or learn more.

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.